Depression decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder has been rated at 70 percent, which is the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. �1151 are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, with a focus on whether any symptoms were present during the first period of service or if they are related to the second period of service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including depression, diabetes mellitus with nephropathy and erectile dysfunction, left lower leg neuropathy, and right lower leg neuropathy. The issues are about increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and left ear hearing loss do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is found to be related to her service. Her migraine headaches are also found to have started during service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining military personnel records and VA treatment records, and for a new VA psychiatric examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since April 12, 2011. The symptoms have included deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depression was initially rated at 50 percent prior to May 10, 2016.,Since May 10, 2016, the Veteran has been assigned a 70 percent rating for his service-connected anxiety disorder with depression.

The Veteran's service-connected mental disorder did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance prior to July 26, 2013. As a result, the effective date for SMC at the R-1 rate is denied.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for depression, effective July 18, 2008. The Veteran's appeal was limited to the issue of a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left knee, cervical spine, psychiatric, and stomach surgery disabilities. The Board finds that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hand nerve damage was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and chronic depressive disorder. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, including exposure to in-service mortar attacks and weapons fire. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for new VA examinations. The issues on appeal are related to his service-connected depressive disorder, right knee traumatic arthritis, and left knee traumatic arthritis.